Over the past year we have seen a number of wedding trends emerge. From the infamous minimony to sequel celebrations – it is safe to say that love cannot be cancelled. But our question is this… are they here to stay?
If you ask us, any variation of an event centered around love between you and your partner is the way to go. Whether that be an intimate vow exchange at a destination that means something of significance, or a grand celebration in front of the entirety of those that have made an impact in your life.
Really, there is no wrong way to get married.
On top of that, we anticipate more weddings in the next year than ever before. Vendors alike continue to push to help millions of couples find their way down the aisle. This opens up plenty of opportunity for new trends to flourish, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store.
With all of that said, we wanted to break down the terms that you might have started to hear more of over the past year. And maybe throw in our two cents on the topic!
- Elopement
- Micro-Wedding
- Minimony
- Sequel Wedding
Elopement
Okay, so elopements may have gotten some mixed messaging surrounding them over the past few years. Traditionally, an elopement is considered to be an unplanned event. It is attended by only the couple and their witnesses. Typically they were performed in secret (although that’s not a requirement).
So, what may make an elopement a preferred choice for you?
Well, firstly – elopements can be a tonne of fun. Your options as a couple are quite honestly endless! Are you lovers of extreme adventure? Seekers of one-of-a-kind scenery? Helicopter fanatics!? Elopements can result in some pretty extraordinary, truly authentic moments.
We are talking jaw-dropping, heart-melting, tear-jerking kind of moments.
Elopements can also be a great way to keep your nuptials cost effective, intimate and stress-free, allowing the entire focus to be on you and your partner.
Wherever, whenever and however your elopement comes to life, the important thing is that your ceremony, reception, and vows are 100% authentically you.
Micro-wedding
Now, a micro-wedding is a wonderful cross between an elopement and a larger traditional ceremony. Welcoming up to 50 guests, a micro-wedding offers both immediate family and close friends to join the couple in celebration. Also while providing the couple more time and focus to be placed on the smaller details of the day.
A perfect solution to those still wanting to share their day with loved ones, splurge on some details and not become completely overwhelmed by the number of guests in attendance.
What might make a micro-wedding right for you?
Well, first-off, let us make this clear. A smaller guest count does not mean cutting out on your experience! There are still plenty of opportunities to showcase those time-honoured traditions with your partner and guests. In fact, a micro-wedding is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with the more intimate moments of your wedding day. Think ‘designer’ wedding if you may.
An additional bonus of micro-weddings is that you can spend more time with your partner and your guests throughout the day! With a smaller guest list, you can even personalize their experience, with hand-written notes at their place cards, or have wedding favours personalized to each guest.
Just like hosting a very large dinner-party with all of your favourite people. Micro-weddings certainly hold a warm place in our hearts!
Minimony
Which leads us to this. Much like its predecessor the micro-wedding, a minimony is exactly what it implies, a ‘mini’ wedding ceremony. It is held with the couple, their witnesses and up to 15 guests.
But, how does this differ from a micro-wedding you may ask?
Well, unlike an elopement, a minimony has experienced a surge in popularity throughout the pandemic. Allowing couples the chance to honour their original wedding date, while postponing their previously planned grandiose nuptials.
Simply put, if you’re still planning to host a large-scale wedding in the following months or years from your originally planned date, it’s a minimony!
Held with your officiant, small group of loved ones and select wedding vendors, a minimony refocuses the emphasis toward the finer details of the couple. It is an excellent choice to celebrate your love story in a unique and beautifully connected way. In fact, many find a minimony to be much more meaningful than expected!
Plus, there are some incredible benefits of planning a minimony!
Firstly, your venue options are nearly limitless. With a smaller guest list and ability to appropriately social distance, you could find yourself saying “I do” anywhere from a beautiful backyard to the middle of a national park!
Furthermore, this is another great option to remove stress, cut back on costs and open your mind to an entirely personalized day for you.
Goodbye seating charts, hello family-style dinner!
Just remember, however you originally planned your wedding day, there are always options.
Sequel Wedding
Finally, a sequel wedding. Although not an entirely new term, a sequel wedding has also experienced a surge in popularity following the ongoing impacts of COVID-19. Much like its name suggests, a sequel wedding is when a couple celebrates their marriage in more than one ceremony.
In the past, a sequel wedding was an excellent option for blending family traditions, managing complex expectations and providing convenience to the couple to plan their celebrations as they wish. However, more recently the sequel wedding has emerged as a follow-up of the minimony. This allows for the couple to celebrate with the entirety of their family, friends and loved ones.
Think of this as the ‘part two’ of your wedding, if you may.
And no, unlike the blockbusters, this is a sequel that you won’t be disappointed in.
This might sound like a little more work, BUT, the benefits of hosting a sequel wedding are worth the work! With the stress of your nuptials behind you, a sequel wedding is your chance to celebrate with everyone!
When it comes to planning your sequel wedding, there are options! It’s important to understand what is important to have for each event. This not only eliminates stress but also distinguishes from your first wedding.
Perhaps the sequel wedding will have a shorter ceremony, so you can have more time to spend with your guests. Maybe you switch it up with a completely different bridal look!
The thing with sequel weddings is that their rulebooks are still being written! What is important is that no matter what, create the experiences YOU want to have on the day.
Verdict
That was a lot of information – we know!
But, if you’re still following us, you’re asking “What was your verdict? Are they here to stay or not!?”
Well, if you ask me… the minimony has provided us with some of the most mesmerizing moments to look back on in a time of chaos. It has helped ground us and show that love between two humans should not be overpowered by guest lists, wedding favours or catering. And most importantly, that perseverance and a little flexibility can overcome truly anything.
Whether it be an elopement, micro-wedding or minimony, they truly are the perfect moment to showcase the personality, creativity and background of each and every couple. And, much like the brides we see everyday, no two are ever exactly the same – which is so beautiful!
So, yes – let’s keep these coming!
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Enjoy reading this blog? Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Terminology